KANSAS CITY, Mo. ---- The Auburn Montgomery softball team jumped up three spots to No. 5 in the first NAIA Coaches' Top 25 poll of the regular season, earning its highest ranking in the five-year history of the program.

The Warhawks had previously been as high as seventh, earning that spot in last season's postseason rankings. AUM received 500 points in the poll, coming in 60 points behind top-ranked Concordia (Calif.). The Eagles (25-2) moved up from No. 5, receiving five first place votes.

Preseason No. 1 Cal State San Marcos leads the pack with eight first place votes. No. 3 Lee (five votes) and No. 4 Rogers State (three) also received support for the top ranking. Only 17 points separate the top four teams.

The Southern States Athletic Conference leads the nation with six teams represented in the poll. William Carey (No. 11), Brenau (No. 12), Belhaven (No. 18) and Mobile (No. 21) join the Warhawks and Lady Flames. Spring Hill and Faulkner are also receiving votes in the rankings.

At 22-1, the Warhawks are off to their best start in program history. Starters Emma Johansen (.469), Katie Spain (.443), Jyssica Pepper (.431) and Kayla Hale (.421) are all hitting over .400. Spain leads the team with seven home runs and 30 RBIs, while Pepper has a team-high 25 runs scored and four triples.

Cassie Daniels leads AUM on the mound with a 9-0 record and 87 strikeouts. Hale and Taylor Powell have also been strong, with ERAs under 2.00 and a combined 12-1 record. Warhawk opponents are hitting just .167 this season.

AUM returns to action with three home conference doubleheaders this weekend, beginning with a 2 p.m. tilt against Brewton-Parker on Friday.